Four-week average of initial claims, a less-volatile measure than the weekly figure, fell to 213,250 from the prior week's 216,000; lowest since Dec. 1969.

Even with the weekly increase, claims remain near the lowest in almost five decades, indicating the labor market remains robust. Job openings reached a record high in March, and a widespread, persistent shortage of qualified workers is causing employers to retain staff, sometimes using bonuses and non-financial perks to keep people in key roles.

Economists may focus more on the latest results because they reflect the week containing the 12th of the month, which is the reference period for the Labor Department's May jobs report due June 1.